Rice University Farmers Market

I was spoiled by my experience with farmer’s markets living in San Francisco for two years, so take this with a grain of salt. Those markets are HUGE, with many many fruit and veggie vendors, all local, and crazy good prices (50 cents for a pound of tomatoes, $ 1 for a pound of apples, etc…) So the Houston farmer’s markets are teeny tiny, without a lot of variety, and expensive by comparison. This one is no different. I do like that they have some unique stuff (Sarsaparilla Kombucha? Bison? Yes please :) and the vendors are very friendly. It’s also convenient and it’s nice that it’s open for a short while in the evening. But the prices are basically what you’d pay at Whole Foods, with less selection.

The Rice Farmer’s market is a bit pricey. However, there are some amazing vendors and I would encourage people to find something that they love here that they would return for. There are a lot of artisan and specialty items that I could see myself loving eventually. The vendors seem to have a great relationship and contact with their customers and are receptive to the wants of their customers.
For me, I just had a pastry for Angela’s oven which was so great!

Small, but good farmers market. No tables or chairs or anywhere shady to eat what you’ve bought, but good place to buy a few things.
Ripe food truck is healthy with large portions and Maison Burdisso macarons were the best I’ve ever had, just like the reviews say.

Usually, I’m not one to frequent the farmers market like some of my other friends. However, I can appreciate the hustle and bustle of a good farmers market’s environment. My friend and I decided to check out rice’s farmers market because we were done with finals and there was a cinco de mayo event. I’ve been told that my experience this day was atypical to a normal day at the farmers market since it was more of a special event.
Unfortunate because my first day at rice’s farmers market was a DELIGHT. So much free samples of all types of food and in large portions too. I prepared myself going into the farmers market that I would have to buy something if I didn’t want to go elsewhere for dinner but I ended up with two normal sized tacos, a savory pastry filled with a spinach mixture, a half cup of fragrant beer, and a royal icing sugar cookie in my stomach for absolutely no cost. There was a live band playing and tons of smaller samples to be had from many local vendors. I was eyeing these really cute homemade popsicles at one stand, but alas my stomach was too full to partake in that icey experience.
Very fun to just walk up and down the strip of vendors and see many familiar faces from the rice and nearby community. My only criticism is that the market seemed kind of small. Coming from boulder, co, I’ve seen other farmers markets from the outside of much greater size so my stroll through the stands seemed a bit brief. Also, the location (the back of greenbrier lot) is slightly difficult to get to if you don’t have west lot parking or don’t have a car while living on campus. And even then, it’s a pain to make the trek around the stadium. But overall, a fond memory! Will definitely try to go back in the future.

I usually only come to this farmer’s market on days they have events since there’s tons of free samples! Regularly, this farmer’s market is small and a little pricey. The one on Richmond on Saturdays is much much better than this one!

I was really excited when I read about this Farmers market online. i took my girlfriend here expecting a lot more. I guess my expectations were too high. I was hoping for more stands, more people, more fresh seasonal veggies and veggies, more food. Maybe I went at a bad time of the season, I’ll try again during the summer time.

This was the first farmer’s market I’ve been to in Houston, and I’m glad I came! It’s located in the parking lot behind the Rice stadium every Tuesday at around 3:00. There are stands where you can buy anything from organic produce to homemade samosas. Many of the vendors here also sell their foods to restaurants and other businesses in the Houston area! One of the vendors I met makes the tortillas they serve at Boomtown Coffee, and another sells the bean sprouts Local Foods uses in their salads.
My favorite vendor was probably the one selling goat cheese and cajeta (caramel made from goat milk). I have always loved goat cheese, but hers was the freshest I’ve tried! She showed me pictures of her very happy-​looking goats playing in a field, and happy animals are always a plus. I highly recommend this vendor to any fellow goat cheese lover.
Almost all of the vendors offer samples, so it’s definitely worth it to go around and check them all out. There was even an organic dog treat vendor here. I bought my dog some chicken broth «pup”-corn, (yes, popcorn for dogs), and he went crazy for it.
There are fewer people out in the summer, when it’s ridiculously hot outside, but still a decent number of vendors and things to see. When I went there was a homemade popsicle vendor who provided some tasty treats to help out with the temperature.
The Houston Farmer’s Market may not be the biggest farmer’s market, but they have a good amount of variety which made coming here an enjoyable experience. Can’t wait to come back next Tuesday!

The reason I was here was really to pay Maison Burdisso a visit. The market wasn’t very difficult to find after reading the tips from the other Unilocalers. Basically get to Greenbriar Drive and take the 13B entrance. There are tons of parking so parking shouldn’t be an issue for anyone anytime.
In terms of vendors, there aren’t too many. You can visit the website and check out the list beforehand. From what I can recall, there was Juice Girl, Angela’s Oven (pastries), Baby Fresh Foods, Jim’s World of Worms, Maison Burdisso (macarons), Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company, and Nisha’s Indian Food. Some of the vendors had samples as well.
It was an incredibly hot day so I didn’t stick around too long after I bought my macarons, but I think it could be something interesting to check out if you haven’t been to a farmer’s market. They also have lots of gluten-​free products so don’t let the gluten allergy stop you!

It’s probably not the best farmers market in Houston, but it’s the only one I go to semi-​regularly since it’s at Rice. It’s open from 3:30 — 6:30 on Tuesdays, and it’s in the Greenbriar parking lot behind the stadium.
I come here a lot to buy local honey for my dad (and occasional macarons from Maison Burdisso for myself: P), but there’s also bread, veggies (though not much fruit from what I’ve seen), meats and eggs, pre-​made Indian food, some cheeses, speciality olive oils and jams, soaps and some other stuff. The truck Juice Girl is usually there, and there’s also a dog adoption station! There are free samples everywhere so it’s nice to check out.
Tip for Rice students: you can use your tetra points! Just show your ID and get some tokens and you can use it anywhere in the farmers market.
Also, they tend to run out of stuff pretty quickly, so you have to get there relatively early to get the best things!

Finally, was able to make a stop here. Considering my beau goes to school here, you would think I would have made it a few times by now. Oh well… Parking is plentiful which is nice. It isn’t overly large, but they had a nice enough selection. They also have the vendor from whom I buy my vinegars from, I can’t remember the name off the top of my head, but they are amazing and I use them to dress my salads often. The produce I bought was fresh, and it was nice to be able to buy locally. Always best to hit these places at the end of the day if you like to bargain. Also try to bring your own bag and cash in case they don’t accept plastic. Plus you will often have more bargaining chips if you are willing to pay in cash.

This was my first Farmer’s Market visit in the US, so I have no comparison, but I was surprised how small it was. I think I was expecting something like the open air market I visited in Israel and one in Spain, full of fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and people, all crowded and packed together. The Rice Village Farmer’s Market was clean and organized with open space between the vendors and down the walkway. I was looking for one thing in particular, and I found it very easily.
GPS routed me to the university, but not directly to the stadium where the market was, so I drove around the entire campus before someone so kindly directed me to the front side of the stadium near University Boulevard. I wish there had been a bit more signage to direct me, but at least I eventually found it. I’d probably go again except for the fact that traffic after 5 on University Blvd. getting out of the parking lot is practically diabolical, lol.

This is a really small Farmers Market, with maybe 20 stalls on a good day. And that day would be Tuesdays around 3pm or so – not sure on the official times. Its in a small parking lot on Rice University, so finding it might be a little on the fun side.
I only come here for the goat cheese from Blue Heron Farms — its really well made and very tasty! There are other vendors here, I suppose I should try them.
If you want fresh veggies, fresh meat and some interesting bread, come to this little market.

Be warned it’s not a large market like the weekend ones. It’s usually ten or so stalls plus a food truck, but it covers the basics offering produce, meat, and ready made food. Honestly I only come here for Maison Burdisso’s macarons. They’re a nice weekday pick me up.
Unfortunately the hours (Tues 3−7pm) make it hard for office drones like me to get out there. Fighting rush hour traffic can be troublesome and it’s why my macarons never make it home… So if you’ve suddenly run out of free-​range organic eggs and can’t wait till the weekend, this mini market will satisfy that fix.

Passed right by this as I was driving around Rice today and boy! I love it! Bring cash even though some vendors accept card. There is parking right in the lot where the farmer’s market is, and the produce is so fresh and reasonably priced.
Go to the Brenham nut guy… forgot the name of the place, but he sells these amazing dried fruits and roasted nut mixes that are perfect for those who hate the overload of raisins and peanuts in trail mixes! He doesn’t use either in any of his mixes. Instead of peanuts, you’ll find roasted pistachios and in place of raisins, you’ll find dried blueberries! Talk about a favorite of mine already! It’s delicious.
Another lady sells kale chips, and those are yummy yummy. Even though you can make them at home, hers seem so much better… She uses the less «ruffly» kale, the kind with the straight edges, so the kale chips seem thicker and more substantial. I think next time I’ll want to try her Margherita Basil and tomato crisps.
The goat cheese lady makes this amazing goat cheese caramel. Sounds crazy but it’s SO rich and SO good.
Come out and get some fresh produce! There’s lots of really nice farmers that come out and this place is open from 3:30−7pm every Tuesday! I will be returning with more cash next time! (I only had $ 6.00 on me today :()

I do most of my grocery shopping in the middle of the week — to avoid the crowds, natch. And visiting the HFM on the Rice University campus is a great option to do some fast and easy shopping.
I have a beet obsession and I get a giant bundle of about six beets for only $ 3. The vendor selection varies, depending on the weather, but on a cool night, I can score some produce, cheeses, artisan breads and eggs. I can also pick up fresh-​baked dog treats for my baby back home.
Some vendors accept credit cards, but not all of ‘em. So bring the bennies. Parking is fast and easy. (located in the South Stadium Lot off University Blvd.)

I visited for the first time in a couple years recently and I’m glad to see a few more stalls than before.
But the selection still isn’t huge in terms of items. There are a couple of produce stalls, so that was cool, along with fresh meat/​poultry, spices, healthy drinks, etc.
There’s also an awesome awesome macaron stall, so definitely check that out!

Came back today and got my Hoeinghaus eggs.
Then I proceeded to do more damage by stopping at the artisanal bread booth where I picked up the most deliciously awesome almond croissant and an equally good cinnamon roll. Both were fresh, flaky, buttery scrumptiousness. I had to stop myself from consuming the cinnamon roll, meant for my Mr. If I didn’t have dinner plans, I would’ve torn through all the goodies I bought today in no time.
I also bought a bag of peaches, which were fragrant and juicy. I basically ate one over the sink. A smushed one at the bottom of the bag got tossed into my backyard where Mr. Squirrel found it and also dug in.
Scored some tomatoes and green onions from a booth hosted by a middle school – they had all kinds of goodies too – from red potatoes to a variety of onions, basil plants, tomatoes, and beans.
Finally, I stopped at the Grateful Bread, thanks to Jeremy G.‘s review earlier today. The fellow was nice enough to offer me some samples, but I was pretty sure I wanted a hunk of that alder smoked sharp cheddar cheese. All I have to say about that is, damn yes!

Located around the beautiful and historic Rice University.
I love Tuesday‘s Rice Market!
I have sampled breads, cheeses, and milks at this location. Everyone is so friendly and upbeat, as well as passionate about their goods. Due to it being held on Tuesdays, I find it hard to come here with juggling school on weekdays. I am hoping to come here often during the summer break.
Please support your local farmers. It is vital, and crucial as a community to be participating in markets that provide healthy foods that are in close proximity to the city.
The eggs are great! I have cooked them at home, and found them to be very delicious. They do not have that funny smell that regular eggs have. The yolk is of a rich color, and full taste. I have purchased mozzarella cheese here as well. It is creamy, and full bodied. The artisan breads here are lovely. I have purchased the rosemary bread and ate them with my eggs. A long with those ingredients, I have purchased butter here as well. It is simply sweet cream butter which is lightly salted. That is all! No hard to understand ingredients over here!
Bring in a cutesy eco friendly tote when dropping by at the market! You will need it. Support the choice of fresh foods!

When I think of a farmer’s market, I envision a space full of fresh-​picked produce. Houston Farmer’s Market is great, but perhaps if it was promoted as a different type of market, I wouldn’t feel so gouged for spending $ 4 on a scone. (I actually didn’t buy one, so I technically wasn’t gouged.)
Don’t get me wrong, I knew what I was getting into; I’d read the reviews while searching which entrance to take (gate #9) and where said gate was, I read what awaited me in regards to selection. Baked goods, a knife sharpening truck, more backed goods, a few pieces of produce, and Indian food. Oh? At that point, I forgot all about veggies and fruit, and headed directly to the south side of the Rice campus. Thanks for the heads up, Sharia.
I was a bit concerned that I’d run into (not literally) the Brian O’Neill running club as it was Tuesday, and they would be jogging around the trail. «Oh Gretchen, are you going to jog around our non-​Memorial trail and then drink beer with us?» «No, no, Tino and/​or Dave, I already put my time in around The Memorial Trail today. I’m going to buy Indian food and/​or fresh-​baked desserts instead.»
I ended up with a container of frozen Chicken Tikka Masala and a package of Spinach Paratha. Plus, I got to try about a quarter of the seller’s food. Awesome. The chicken was white meat and substantial. It was a bit light on the heat, but still good and not greasy. The Spinach Paratha was mild and had the «just right» amount of spinach.
I’ll be back. Most likely for the Indian food (NishasIndianFood. com), but potentially for a chocolate or cinnamon scone.
Just keep in mind that the food items here are homemade, therefore fresh. Plus, you buy directly from the maker, baker, chef, or farmer. Why do I mention this? The prices tend to be a bit steep.

Now folks. farmers are endangered species, therefore support your local farmers market.
I been wanting to go to this Farmers’ Market for forever.
Today, I finally made it here.
They say everything is big in Texas, well, this isn’t the case here. This miniature farmers market is no different than the one in midtown (size wise) with 5 — 6 stalls in total.
I went there around 4:00 PM, the vendors looked kind of agitated, I threw few jokes here and there but it didn’t work. I don’t blame them, it was REAL HOT AND HUMID today and I felt kind of bad for them… standing there in extreme heat in a huge parking lot.
They had breads (all kinds, from olive to rye), goat milk (both regular and chocolate), eggs, veggies etc. The Indian food stall was pretty neat, the guy there kept on giving me samples to the point I forced myself to say no. The food was pretty interesting, stuffed spinach naan, pickled chicken curry .nice.
Ok, so this what I bought. I bought 2 peaches, 2 pears, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and basil infused vinegar (a tiny bottle for $ 9.hmmph).
I just tried the peaches I got and I am kicking myself for not buying more, they were absolutely AMAZING and no way near the store bought.
A little advice. Bring cash and a bag to carry your produce.